Fairs/Festivals
MBA Art Show 2026
Nashville, Tennessee
Application Fee: $40
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Emerging Artists: Emerging artists may apply.
- Submission Limit: 1
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 10, Max: 10
- Total | Max: 10
Opportunity Summary
Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, is pleased to announce the MBA Art Show 2026. The MBA Art Show is a juried art show featuring approximately 50 artists as well as an acclaimed Featured Artist to be announced in the fall. One of the event highlights consists of an early access Interior Designer Sneak Peek welcoming top Nashville designers and their clients. There will also be a free, open-to-the-public Opening Night with food and beverages. Proceeds from the art show benefit the Mothers Club and Fine Arts Department of Montgomery Bell Academy.
The MBA Art Show has historically hosted a featured artist to spend a week on campus creating original works of art. Small group instruction and classes with the artist are held for MBA students as well.
The MBA Art Show has historically hosted a featured artist to spend a week on campus creating original works of art. Small group instruction and classes with the artist are held for MBA students as well.
General Information
The MBA Art Show is held at Montgomery Bell Academy with a dedicated website showcasing approximately 50 local, regional, and national artists. Artwork will be sold in person, and pickup, delivery or shipping will be determined by the artist before the start of the show. The show will be heavily marketed through social media, video showcases, school wide e-mail blasts, local signage and more. The MBA Artshow is committed to celebrating the arts and all participating artists.
Application Requirements
FEES
There is no Booth Fee. A non-refundable* application fee of $40 is due with the application. If invited, each artist agrees to a 70%/30% split, with the artist receiving 70% and MBA receiving 30%.
ARTIST SELECTION
SALES AND SALES TAX
Artists receive seventy percent (70%) of the total price of each item sold, with the remaining thirty percent (30%) going directly to Montgomery Bell Academy. Should any artwork be commissioned during the show or items be sold/commissioned within 120 days following as a result of the MBA Art Show, Montgomery Bell Academy is to receive thirty percent (30%) of the total price of the item. Commission sheets are provided to each artist and payment is required at checkout for those sold during the show. Artists agree to contact the MBA Art Show chairs for any commissions sold within the 120 days after the show.
Exhibiting artists are responsible for Tennessee sales tax, if any, due as a result of the sales contemplated herein, on the portion of the proceeds (70% which represents the fair market value and sales tax collected) received by the artist.
There is no Booth Fee. A non-refundable* application fee of $40 is due with the application. If invited, each artist agrees to a 70%/30% split, with the artist receiving 70% and MBA receiving 30%.
ARTIST SELECTION
- Approximately 50 artists will be invited to participate. The majority of artists work in oils, acrylics, watercolors, pen and ink, and mixed media; the show also includes digital art, photography, jewelry, ceramics and sculpture. Artists are chosen by a designated selection committee whose members represent a variety of backgrounds including artists, interior designers, educators, and supporters.
- Up to 5 MBA alumni are exempt from jury and invited to participate. However, all MBA alumni are encouraged to apply on their own merit.
- Artist applications must be accompanied by a brief artist statement and a minimum of 5 (five), maximum of 10 (ten) digital images of artwork to be used on MBA’s website, social media, and printed art show materials. Images must be current and represent the quality, average price points, average size of pieces, and style of work you plan to exhibit.
- Images should be high resolution (if needed, refer to Zapplications Image Preparation information, addressed via the help center).
- Artists who withdraw from the show after 10/5/26 will not be considered during the 2027 application process.
SALES AND SALES TAX
Artists receive seventy percent (70%) of the total price of each item sold, with the remaining thirty percent (30%) going directly to Montgomery Bell Academy. Should any artwork be commissioned during the show or items be sold/commissioned within 120 days following as a result of the MBA Art Show, Montgomery Bell Academy is to receive thirty percent (30%) of the total price of the item. Commission sheets are provided to each artist and payment is required at checkout for those sold during the show. Artists agree to contact the MBA Art Show chairs for any commissions sold within the 120 days after the show.
Exhibiting artists are responsible for Tennessee sales tax, if any, due as a result of the sales contemplated herein, on the portion of the proceeds (70% which represents the fair market value and sales tax collected) received by the artist.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
170
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
50
Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event
5
Booth Information
NO BOOTH FEE - Application Fee of $40 is your only expense.
SHOW DATES AND HOURS
- Opening Night: Thursday, November 5, 2026 from 5-9 pm
- Show continues: Friday, November 6, 2026 9am -5pm and Saturday, November 7, 2026 10am -4pm
ARTIST AMENITIES
- Artist Space: Each artist is featured on the Art Show website with bio picture and About the Artist section. In addition, each Artist has the opportunity to participate in a studio visit showcased on our Instagram feed.
- Exposure: Extensive marketing and promotion of the show including social media, local publications, an interior designer preview event, as well as a free-to-the-public grand opening evening complete with food and beverages.
- Featured Artist: Participation of nationally acclaimed guest artist, bringing heightened show exposure.
- Art-savvy customers and loyal parents.
- Hospitality: Volunteers available for customer and artist assistance, including dedicated artist liaisons to assist in inventory list preparation and more. Food and Drink available to each artist throughout the event. Dedicated space for artists to store additional pieces for sale.
- Sales transactions handled by MBA with Commission Sheets provided to each artist.
Refund Policy
FEES
There is no Booth Fee. A non-refundable* application fee of $40 is due with the application. If invited, each artist agrees to a 70%/30% split, with the artist receiving 70% and MBA receiving 30%.
There is no Booth Fee. A non-refundable* application fee of $40 is due with the application. If invited, each artist agrees to a 70%/30% split, with the artist receiving 70% and MBA receiving 30%.
Terms to Apply
Application Fee: $40